Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review | 2024 eMTB Lite Group Review

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 129

  • @chrisgrover2134
    @chrisgrover2134 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I had a Santa Cruz SL rode it 13 Miles and it failed to charge. My shop did everything including battery changes and drive unit swap. I swapped it for a Norco after many trips to the shop thanks for the support from Fat Tire Farm.

  • @mehukatti123
    @mehukatti123 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Really cool that Santa Cruz introduced this Stout build with Fox 38 and Float X2! Just wish there was assurance that Fazua has fixed their problems...

  • @paulmaag6958
    @paulmaag6958 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    I own a Heckler SL, S model. I have 1700 miles of all dirt, 90% single track, heavy climbing rocky mountain trails. Absolutely no problems. My guess is that the Fazua motor does not like heat or low cadence mashing of the peddles. The motor is mostly burried in the frame, so heat, the destroyer of electric motors, can not get out. I've never ridden my bike above 85 degrees.
    This bike handles...........fantastic. Love the geo. So much fun!

    • @tomnutting3836
      @tomnutting3836 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      My 2 motors died on cold days after less than 60km each
      No mashing
      Half of the riding cruising on tarmac hoping to ease the motors in to life
      Bike sold, huge financial loss
      Pile of dog shit.

    • @MTBMcPhee
      @MTBMcPhee 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@tomnutting3836ouch, that sux!

    • @tomnutting3836
      @tomnutting3836 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MTBMcPhee AND Santa Cruz refused to provide me with any kind of financial refund. Would only offer me other products that left me in a worse financial situation.
      They gave me a 2 year old stock Nomad as compensation for paying $14k for a bike that I rode 4 times in 6 months and I had to sell the HSL in parts to try to get money back
      Out over $6k and ended up with an old Nomad that is a good bike but not the 150mm shredder I sold my old bike for.

    • @nickclarkuk
      @nickclarkuk 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@tomnutting3836that is shocking. I lost less money buying and riding a new KTM 4 stroke motocross bike in 18 months. A mountain bike should not do that to your wallet.

    • @tomnutting3836
      @tomnutting3836 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ especially one from such a high profile brand
      Such a fundamental failure should come with a refund or at least part refund

  • @sebastianhorn3676
    @sebastianhorn3676 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    FAZUA…one of my favourites, WHEN it‘s working…that says all 😂

    • @binshuo
      @binshuo 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I bought a transition relay 3 weeks ago and found numerous issues already. Now the bike has been at the shop for a week because of the torque sensor is not working. German quality lmao

    • @skellener
      @skellener 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Which is why I got a Bullit. No issues. Really wanted the Heckler SL, but Fazua was the reason I skipped it.

    • @whlman
      @whlman 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Loam wolf did not do their homework on this one (fazua motor)

    • @sdtrailrider8070
      @sdtrailrider8070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@whlman I think they will report any issues they have had in the round table.

    • @whlman
      @whlman 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Cool...thanks

  • @AHappyZeebra
    @AHappyZeebra 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have the 2023 Heckler SL. bought it pretty much at its release. Not had an issue with the motor. Prob one of the most fun bikes i've sat on. I do agree with this video in that the biggest improvement with 2024 was the suspension upgrade which is my desire to upgrade also. I love this bike, so fun from trail to bike parks.

  • @drosslander4369
    @drosslander4369 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    1800 km's on a GX AXS Heckler Sl (42lbs) and I've got to say it's the funnest, best handling overall mtn bike I've ever owned. Had one cable issue which was resolved in less than a week. The FAZUA system is so natural it makes you feel like you're having a super strong day in the saddle of an acoustic bike. You know it's a perfect Santa Cruz when Drew is finding it hard to find fault with it. :)

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Ha ha ha. Got me. It’s a good one. Glad you’re loving your new bike too!

  • @sham8723
    @sham8723 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Absolutely love my SL, but I bought it gently used at a lowball price.
    And I had a spare X2 lying around, and I put a 38mm fork on it, and the Fazua hasn't crapped out... fingers crossed.

  • @hanswalser6831
    @hanswalser6831 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have this bike and love it. I am running a Cane Creek Tigon and it adds that extra help through the high speed chunder which was lacking with the air shock. My personal opinion on the motor is it gets too hot and fails. The motor has zero vents air flow. It looks like a regular pedal bike in that the motor is not visible to the open air (e-bike in disguise). So far so good on the motor.

  • @mr.bopington6065
    @mr.bopington6065 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    As someone who used to own a megatower I will confirm the thoughts expressed on vpp here. I either had to increase sag to experience harshness on the downhill and experience terrible pedal bob. Or deal with the harshness and not have pedal bob.

    • @5dayMovingAverage
      @5dayMovingAverage 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It's not the VPP, it's the shock

    • @andymtb3212
      @andymtb3212 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I put a cascade progressive link on and it pedals great! Heckler 8 CC MX

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Anti-squat values and kinematics are absolutely a reason VPP bikes feel the way they do. There are ways to mitigate negatives of any platform, for example a coil shock on VPP or a lockout/pedal platform on a Horst Bike, etc... But there is no denying a frame's design is a massive factor in how the suspension behaves.

    • @RookYZRM1
      @RookYZRM1 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You've gotta ride VPP's hard to get them working, I've actually grown to like that about Santa Cruz's VPP, that anti-squat in a way keeps the bike high in it's travel until you really need it, pushing hard through rough stuff. But I can see more relaxed or less aggressive riders having a hard time getting the VPP to work...will be interesting to see how the new Hightower/Bronson are with the lower anti-squat.

  • @timc4258
    @timc4258 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love my heckler SL. But had to replace fazua motor once. Fingers crossed that's it.

  • @wmercer7234
    @wmercer7234 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    $9,300 for gx drivetrain and fox performance suspension ... Let that sink in.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yeah. We definitely talked about that a lot internally.

    • @kingflynxi9420
      @kingflynxi9420 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Don't forget the fact that you'll barely be able to use the bike because the motor is with Fazua being replaced lol

    • @DownHillgamer
      @DownHillgamer 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The Santa Cruz special babbbbby. 💩

    • @-phos-
      @-phos- 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      There's no difference in performance between performance elite and factory. The markup is just for Kashima which has been proven to add little or no value beyond the gold color. Don't get me wrong the bike is still overpriced, typical SantaCruz tax.

    • @eugenux
      @eugenux 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @wmercer7234 I agree and I don't buy it; I'll patiently wait for the avinox motor to be in something more enduro-ish and that's it, end of story. All these bikes look like it is 2015 by comparison.

  • @ridemx323
    @ridemx323 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Still dancing around the Fazua problems.

  • @ddsgardening7437
    @ddsgardening7437 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Really enjoy nice one guy's 👍

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @yodapig
    @yodapig 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    If they update this model the new ZF motor (with 90Nm) and the option of a range extender, it would be close to perfect for all-mountain riding.

  • @topchoice1621
    @topchoice1621 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really wish you guys would bring some of the emtb company reps and ask them what makes their bikes worth the price they charge and see what they say

  • @stuartthomasson5027
    @stuartthomasson5027 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would love to hear how it handles the rocky chunk? Considering one for southern Utah 🤔

  • @anthonynazzal1958
    @anthonynazzal1958 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I thought about buying one of these bikes for a while, I still want one so badly, but I can’t stand the cheap and antiquated fazua integration and plastic ring switch, and I don’t want to have to plug my bike into a laptop to change things and diagnose (so 1990’s lol, reminds me of tuning old Japanese cars)
    But what’s really holding me back is the fazua motor. It feels great when I demoed it, but far too many seem to fail or have issues….
    :(

  • @michaeldevries2482
    @michaeldevries2482 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m waiting for the next gen fazua motor which hopefully will have a battery extender available at launch.

  • @flg72
    @flg72 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Are you guys gonna be doing an in-depth review of the Santa Cruz Vala?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Yes we are once we have sufficient time and mileage on it. Took it out for a pretty awesome ride Sunday and put in 3,700 feet of very steep climbing and descending.

    • @stuartthomasson5027
      @stuartthomasson5027 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@TheLoamWolflooking forward to that review

  • @jamestaylor3149
    @jamestaylor3149 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Where are we with motor reliability now?

  • @jessevassallo
    @jessevassallo 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What kind of problems are the Fazua motors experiencing? I just bought a second hand Heckler SL and have not had any issues, but would like to know what the persistent problems are what are the symptoms. All I hear is people saying they are crap and that's it.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      For us, its been intermittent motor failure on the two systems that we have had problems with. Our first issue experience happened with probably one of the earliest production runs (torque sensor failure). Then we had the YT motor fail on us during this group review. Day 1, motor was fine, day 2 it decided to no longer deliver power after stopping for a video section. This was an intermittent problem, display lights stayed on but no assist. It would randomly power back on after a few minutes of pedaling then stop again. Drew thinks he remedied it after pulling the motor and replugging everything in, there were still a few power issues in the remaining days.
      Another issue, if you tighten the ring controller too much, it will get sticky and stay in position. But thats an easy fix by just loosening the clasp.

  • @porroco
    @porroco 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Was waiting for vala 😅.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No Vala in this group test. Hopefully next year!

  • @flyinchop
    @flyinchop 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would love to hear how you think this bike stacks up against the Ari Nebo Peak.

  • @gnarlyfox
    @gnarlyfox 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What is the Fox Float shock that you were recommending ? Do you not like the X2 ?

  • @JenkinsB
    @JenkinsB 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ibis Oso? Not quite SL but close, and on sale now!

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Definitely does not ride like an SL eBike. Some of our crew liked it in the 2023 full power eMTB Shootout, but the value proposition was poor. Sale will help, of course.

  • @hubsessed
    @hubsessed 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Loam Wolf, what is your preferred rear suspension design?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      All of our testers have their own preferences, which is a good reminder of why multiple testers is important for a somewhat reliable review. Everyone has their own style and taste.
      Drew is the most vocal on VPP as he likes low anti-squat values as a whole since DH performance and suppleness are his priorities on chunky terrain. Some DW models do well, linkage driven single pivots, mid-high pivots and Horst bikes all have strengths and weaknesses.
      The rest of the crew seem to like Horst Link bikes pretty consistently, and mid-high pivot bikes, like the Trek Slash+ and Rocky Mountain's eMTB line.
      Pivot does a good job on many of their longer-travel DW bikes as well.

  • @rhubarbbs
    @rhubarbbs 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Which bikes would you recommend -- with similar builds, that have the same attention to detail, same maintenance friendly package (VPP is way easier to service than 4 bar bikes, for example, as they have half the bearings), same warranty and support, etc that cost so much less?
    Transition Relay in the GX PNW build is similar and costs $100 more. Orbea Rise SL similarly configured is $9383. Norco Fluid maybe? They all seem awfully close in price. Lots of pearl clutching about the retail price, but I'm just not aware of that many alternatives at similar specs/finish.

  • @SidiNic
    @SidiNic 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    How many times did the motor fail though? Reading many horror stories about the Fazua continue giving problems and replacement needed

    • @SidiNic
      @SidiNic 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @pebbleinspector i know because my friend has the Heckler and non stop problems. Feel so bad for him as the bike rides real good!

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      On this bike, there were no Fazua problems. Our reference here of "When it's working" is in relation to Fazua drive units as a whole. Some bikes have given us trouble, others have not. The majority of bikes have not given us issues, but enough have to where we mention it in reviews with bikes that have that drive unit.
      If this bike had a problem, we certainly wouldn't have "brushed over it" in such a casual way. As you'll soon see in another review.

    • @SidiNic
      @SidiNic 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@TheLoamWolf its a shame because a lot of really good SL ebikes i would consider buying have these motors. Are there even lightweight ebikes with Bosch motors?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There were a couple in this group test actually. Norco and Devinci.

    • @danehauser8675
      @danehauser8675 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Mondraker Dune. Its about a pound or 2 lighter than the Heckler SL. Im debating between these 2 bikes.​@SidiNic

  • @OscarHernandez-xx2je
    @OscarHernandez-xx2je 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    $9300 for that! Holysh….

  • @Nutinbutmtb
    @Nutinbutmtb 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Limited dropper post insertion length on this frame

  • @russgordon5399
    @russgordon5399 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Are any of the Fazua bikes in this roundup having drive system reliability issues? I thought Fazua had worked out those problems?

    • @binshuo
      @binshuo 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I bought transition relay 3 weeks ago and the bike was sent to the shop a week ago due to torque sensor problem, which prevents the motor from delivering power. So yea, fuck fazua

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We've had roughly 10 Fazua bikes to test over the last couple of years. 2 of them have had problems.
      The YT Decoy SN, is the only one in this year's group test to suffer any issues, which we'll talk about in that video and the grand finale.

    • @dirtclodfight
      @dirtclodfight 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have an ari nebo peak with over 2K miles on the Ride 60. Have not had any major issues. The motor needed to be reseated and was kind of creaky initially, but that's more of an Ari thing. As far as the Fazua the only issue I have had is if I use the 'super boost' repeatedly it will occasionally shut off. I think it is a heat issue. My overall experience has been completely stoked though!. The range and feel of the ride 60 is perfect for me, and so far it has been reliable. So stoked on the nebo peak!

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Right on thanks for sharing and stoked to hear it.

    • @kyledavis635
      @kyledavis635 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@dirtclodfight Good to hear. I've been seriously thinking about getting the Nebo. What build did you get? When the motor needed to be reseated, how was that remedied i.e. did you have to send back to Ari, take it to a LBS, etc? Do you have any affiliation with Ari, i.e. are you an ambassador or such? Thanks.

  • @brodelridesbikes
    @brodelridesbikes 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Where can i find a list of all the bikes on the test?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      At our website, theloamwolf.com

  • @joehoeper3941
    @joehoeper3941 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Confused why one would get a Heckler SL Stout instead of a Bullit. For a few extra lbs, you get way more reliability, capability and range.

  • @EdBraunbeck
    @EdBraunbeck 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How does this compare to Pivot Shuttle SL?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      More travel, more capable descender but they are also designed to be very different bikes. The Shuttle SL is a much better climber, faster, lighter and more fun on XC and flow trails whereas the Heckler is a 150/160mm all mountain rig.

  • @michaelgoodwin593
    @michaelgoodwin593 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would it hurt them to add an option to add a 29er rear.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They'd likely have to make a modular dropout with a longer chainstay in order to get tire clearance. So, maybe?

  • @porroco
    @porroco 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    YT sn next please

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      It's coming last of the individual reviews in this series - on the 16th.

  • @GhislainLeduc
    @GhislainLeduc 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sram brakes are not an issue with SantaCruz, it's poor quality from SRAM. That's why I always remove any SRAM brake from any of my bikes and replace them with Saints. Even Guide or LEVEL were having those sweeky sounds after a while. I have never seen anything touching near the GEO quality of any santacruz and that worth the top premium price. For me, I think it's safer to run a SC than any other bike, I own few bikes like BMC, Scott and tested several like Trek, Rocky Mountain and SC is just the best for me. I now own 2 SC, Nomad for Bike park and SL for everything else, so playful, so easy to handle anything.

    • @GhislainLeduc
      @GhislainLeduc 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Also, you gotta use it with RESERVE WHEEL.... those wheels are just freaking awesome.

  • @Mmtwgr
    @Mmtwgr 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Who ever pays the list price must have lost his mind.
    My retailer has the blue stout for 7600€ on offer and even on this price they say it‘s still negotiable.
    You pay almost the same for a similar specced Canyon on fly.
    It‘s a no brainer in my eyes.

    • @bfranco1519
      @bfranco1519 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Haha Canyon? The brand that just told its customers to stop riding their bikes and wait for further instructions? Yeah OK…

    • @Mmtwgr
      @Mmtwgr 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ ???

  • @danielpatino81
    @danielpatino81 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I dont understand how the bike industry still alive with those prices!!!!! 🤔🤔👎

  • @premix5six
    @premix5six 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    All VPP bikes should run OChain.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If you live or ride in chunky areas, 100%.

    • @mikes.8305
      @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Just man up 😂

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Haha. Yeah you could do that I suppose😂. Or buy a bike that has a better suspension platform for your local terrain.

    • @mikes.8305
      @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@TheLoamWolfI’m not going to lie, I love the latest VPP. I like it so much I own a heckler SL. I also love the Fazua when it works. That’s the big issue with this bike, that motor will die. Will it be 109 miles or 1000? That’s the only question. Also the price. I bought mine used. It was 10k MSRP I got it for 6k with 2 miles on it… Full price is nuts compared to other brands. YT decoy SN anyone?

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah there's no denying that SC have been listening to feedback and if you look at their anti-squat values, they've been changing every generation of bike as they are well aware of the pedal kickback and feedback. Prime example is the new Vala. They've left VPP entirely.
      BUT, regarding price and drive unit... Yeah there's certainly a lot of personal opinions and choices to make there. You got a fair price on yours, and it's rad to hear you like it. WE wish you luck that the drive unit lasts for many miles!

  • @khendricksson
    @khendricksson 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That's weirdly expensive. Usually US brands are crazy expensive over here in Europe, but the Heckler SL Stout is actually a grand cheaper over here. About 3k cheaper than the cheapest Pivot Shuttle SL.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Certainly not the best "bargain" when you look at component spec. Interesting to hear the price differences where you're at.

  • @kinaceman
    @kinaceman 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Santa Cruz - great frame, but sooo expensive for the spec!

  • @durace99
    @durace99 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    For that price just get the VALA.

    • @TheLoamWolf
      @TheLoamWolf  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Drew here, I certainly wouldn't disagree with that statement.

  • @apfolklore
    @apfolklore 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    love the CH. guys but standing around every bike you review and just yapping doesn't do it.... This vid is better but action on the bike is key for me to watch more vids here.

  • @mikes.8305
    @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Try and sell a heckler right now though lol

    • @stuartthomasson5027
      @stuartthomasson5027 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Reselling e-bikes is hard since the warranties don’t transfer to next owner 🥶

    • @mikes.8305
      @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @ very good point although Fazua does warranty the motor for two years from the original purchase date even for the second owner(I was not aware of this until I had an issue and asked directly) and Specialized is another one that offers the same thing.

    • @sdtrailrider8070
      @sdtrailrider8070 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mikes.8305 If that's true that's a big plus, and not widely known.

    • @stuartthomasson5027
      @stuartthomasson5027 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mikes.8305 that’s great to know! 🤙

  • @dumwee
    @dumwee 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    expensive 9 letter to get on the frame 🤣

  • @mikes.8305
    @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I don’t think SC have a high resale value the last few years. Matter of fact the whole company has been on sale due to new models coming out and “old” models sitting in high numbers. SC decision to “never make an e-bike” really hurt them in the long run as they have been behind in the e-bike game until the Vala.
    Also I hate my mavens! The piston thing just won’t go away for more than a week…

    • @mehukatti123
      @mehukatti123 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think the Santa Cruz 3-year lifecycle is pretty optimal.

    • @mikes.8305
      @mikes.8305 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mehukatti123 maybe. There are so many factors. Even my 22 Bronson lost a ton of value because the market was flooded after the Covid demand bubble busted and they came out with the 23(exact same bike but with a “glove box”.
      Then 22s were all on sale because they couldn’t get rid of them. That does go for the entire industry as well I just noticed for me buying and selling high end bikes for years it’s been worse the last two…

  • @noblewulf
    @noblewulf 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    maybe 6k sure

  • @snowdosker
    @snowdosker 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Guys, please, convert to meters, kilograms... It is really annoying procedure, to pause video and go to Google and convert all digits :(